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février 05, 2013 |

Rosa: I want to tell my friends all about Korea!

By Karyn Tan

Rosa Nega (left), together with her mother Helen.

Papua New Guinea’s Rosa Nega has had an unforgettable first experience at the Pyeongchang World Winter Games. Special Olympics Founding Committee member Sophia Tuna beamed she talked about Rosa’s time here – competing in snowshoeing, experiencing Korean culture, meeting dignitaries like the President of Korea and the Chairwoman of the Games Organising Committee. At the Healthy Athletes screening, Rosa received new glasses.
Her mother Helen was able to see up close how Special Olympics works, and now wants to be part of the Family Support Network, to further the message of inclusion, talking to families of children with intellectual disabilities.
The highlight of Rosa’s trip? Walking with Tim Shriver during the Opening Ceremony march in. Recounts Sophia: “Tim suddenly shows up, says hi to Rosa with a big smile and says we’ll be walking in together.”
“The applause and cheers rang so loud, as we marched down the walkway. What an unforgettable feeling!”
As for Rosa, she’s dying to head back to school next week, to tell all her friends about her Special Hands experience.

About Karyn Tan: I'm the Communications Manager for Asia Pacific, cheering on our athletes at the Games.